It is always a nightmare for homeowners to face a leaky pipe. Obviously, it can lead to unnecessary damages, result in mold, and increase your bills. However, facing this issue does not mean that you need to have the entire pipe replaced. There are many things you can try when you face any such issue, and we are here to tell you all about it in detail.
Initial Steps To Take
Close The Water Supply
To prevent more water from dripping, the best approach will be to turn off the master valve. It is generally located near the water meter or where the main line enters your house. Switching it off will prevent any more damage as you seek a way forward you have to take!
Recognize The Type Of Leak.
You need to know what type of leak it is and where it is situated in the house before going for any repair work. Seepages may occur at edges, connectors, valves, or even on the wall of the pipe. The problem can be due to corrosion, especially in metal pipes that may be old, changes in temperature that wear out the pipes, joints that may become loose due to pressure, and tree roots that may infiltrate the pipes and create cracks.
Why Is Recognizing The Type Of Leak Important?
Understanding the issue can really make a difference when it comes to fixing it. By figuring out the basics, you can choose the right approach to tackle the problem. This will definitely lead you to a more effective and long-lasting solution.
Ways To Fix A Leaky Pipe Without Replacement
Short-term Solutions
Use Duct Tape
This one’s a handy quick fix for a leaky pipe. Talking about its use, firstly turn off the water supply and dry the area around the leak. Then, wrap the duct tape lightly around the damaged spot overlapping the layer to make a good seal lock.
Duct tapes work best for small leaks or pinholes and they can keep things dry until you can call a plumber. However, you need to remember that it is not a permanent solution and might not hold up under high pressure for too long.
Use Pipe Repair Clamps
Pipe wraps and clamps are made of metal sleeves with flexible rubber padding. It can easily seal up the leak when you place it over the damaged spot. Just tighten the screws, and it creates a secure seal to stop any more water from escaping.
These clamps can work with different types of pipes and sizes, and they are handy for both home and industrial use. Also, they offer a durable and affordable solution for immediate repairs, so you can keep your plumbing system running until you can make a more permanent fix.
Use Epoxy Putty
This is another short-term solution for a leaky pipe and is quite easy to use. Interestingly, epoxy putty can also work on different materials like metal and plastic. So, when it comes to a leak, start by cleaning the area around the pipe and then knead the putty. You have to knead it until it becomes a solid color and then directly apply it to the leak.
Epoxy putty usually hardens in about an hour and creates a watertight seal that can handle pressure. This is helpful for those tricky spots where regular repairs can be tough to reach.
Go For Pipe Sleeving
This one has a rubber gasket and a metal clamp that wraps around the damage pretty easily. You can use it by first turning off the water supply and cleaning the spot around the leak. After that, you need to wrap the rubber part around the leak and tighten the metal clamps to create a seat. This will help in stopping the leak and save water until you can get a plumber to do a more permanent repair.
Permanent Solutions
Use Pipe Cement For PVC Pipes
Pipe cement (mainly epoxy putty) mixes together and hardens, creating a strong, waterproof seal that can handle pressure and moisture. And, to get started, you just need to clean the area around the leak, mix the putty, and then apply it right to the damaged spot.
Once it cures, you will have a tough bond that keeps the leak from coming back. This method works well on both PVC and metal pipes and hence can be considered a solid choice for long-lasting repairs.
Use Slick-Wrap Pipe Repair Kit
The Slick-Wrap Pipe Repair Kit is another quick and easy way to fix leaky pipes permanently. It comes with water-activated fiberglass tape that sticks to different pipe materials, like steel and PVC, even if they’re wet.
All you need to do is wrap the tape around the damaged spot after making sure the pipe is dry and there is no pressure in it After applying the tape, it cures quickly and forms a strong bond that can handle high pressure and a decent amount of temperature, either high or low. Therefore, you can consider it a durable repair that can really extend the life of your pipes.
Call A Professional Handyman To Fix Things
If you are facing any confusion and do not know what to do, then do not waste time and simply reach out to our Plumber Dubai team. We have a bunch of professional workers who will easily sort out the issue for you in no time.
Just search on Google for a ‘handyman near me’ and choose our handyman services in Dubai. We offer work at a great rate so that you get things done without spending too much.
Bottom Line
Whenever you face a leaky pipe situation, you can go for the tips that we have mentioned here. However, you must follow the initial steps mentioned here so that you do not face any further damage or problems.
If you are too confused about what to do, then calling a professional handyman is the best option.
And so with that, we end our blog and hope the information helped. Thanks for reading!